Activities at Dovedale Court Care Home

Dovedale Court held a day of celebrations to thank care staff at the home, who make a real difference to the lives of those in their care.  Staff were treated to personalised cards created by Residents in their arts and craft sessions.

Carers Week is an annual event to raise awareness of caring, highlighting the challenges carers face, and recognising the contribution they make to families and communities throughout the UK, which now, is more important than ever. Carers have a vital job in the care of residents throughout the home, and form very special bonds with the people they look after. They are the day-to-day face of our home, working directly with residents and families to ensure the very best quality care and support is given.

Dovedale Court brewed up a storm for National Cream Tea day on the 26th June.  Finally putting an end to the controversial debate of cream before jam for the Cornish tradition or jam before cream as part of the Devonshire tradition, residents enjoyed homemade scones both ways with a fes-tea-val of herbal and classic teas. Residents at the home enjoyed a selection of sweet and savoury treats including sandwiches, chef’s fabulous homemade scones and a choice of different teas.

Rachael Watston General Manager said: “Residents really enjoyed the sweets and savouries for National Cream Tea day, we even learnt the history of the British tradition and participated in a few traditions of our own. We are continually adapting, and finding new ways to make sure every effort is focused on creating an enjoyable environment for all of our residents, whilst adhering to social distancing advice. The cream tea has been superb and everyone has had a great day.”

For some residents at Dovedale Court care home in Preston, the long awaited reunion with family and friends became a reality recently, as garden visits have now been allowed to commence at the home.  There has been much careful planning and preparation for this moment behind the scenes at Barchester Healthcare, who run Dovedale Court care home. Social distancing was still in place, and homes that are able to take part must have a large accessible garden.

Rachael Watson, General Manager at the home, said: “This has been a much welcomed development in what have been very strange times. The visits are safe and organised, and it was wonderful to see how happy it made the residents. We will of course endeavour to keep up the high standards of care, and continue with our ever evolving life enrichment programme, to keep residents engaged. But this was a lovely day.”

Dovedale Court care home in Preston went all out for National Picnic Week. Residents were invited to create an indoor picnic in the dining room. A whole host of treats were laid on to celebrate.

Hampers, prepared by the hospitality team at the home, were packed to the brim with freshly made sandwiches, pork pies, salad, pasta, quiche and crisps for residents to enjoy al fresco. The fun didn’t stop there as some of the other delights on offer included refreshing juices, tea/coffee and a delicious fruit salad with ice cream.

Rachael Watson, General Manager at the home, said: “Picnic Week is a great excuse for us to reminisce on childhood picnics and enjoy an indoor picnic, although the sun was shining, it was far too hot for all of us to sit outside but we still had fun and enjoyed our indoor picnic. In these unprecedented times, we are continually finding new ways to make sure every effort is focused on creating an enjoyable environment for all of our residents, whilst adhering to social distancing advice.”

On Saturday 13th June, the Queen celebrated her second, and official, birthday. This year, there was an extra incentive to join in the festivities at Dovedale Court, as residents were asked to design a birthday cake in honour of Her Majesty’s birthday as part of a Barchester competition. The chosen cake design was then whipped into reality by one of the home’s care assistants, Michelle Eccles, and enjoyed by residents and staff on the Queen’s special day.

Residents were also treated to a lovely afternoon of music and dancing, with decorations on display, prepared by the hospitality team. The Queen’s birthday was marked with a small celebration at Windsor Castle, where the Queen and Duke of Edinburgh are staying in isolation. Residents tuned in to watch a Royal Salute from the military, led by The Welsh Guard and massed Bands of the Household Division, which replaced the Trooping the Colour after it was cancelled due to the coronavirus pandemic.

A resident of Dovedale celebrated his 87th birthday surrounded by residents and colleagues with a fun-filled day of activities and treats. The birthday boy was overjoyed to receive gifts from the home and his children who are scattered across the country and in Dubai. 

The created a special card decorated by residents and personalised messages on the inside. The home set up Skype calls with the family which the birthday boy thoroughly enjoyed.